Man's Arrogance

Friday Forum - Today's topic: Should there be restrictions on rebuilding at the beach? - Readers debate whether property owners should be limited in what they're able to do. - Weighing risks and responsibilites

October 8, 2004

When I look at the pictures of the damage done to beach property after three hurricanes, it brings to mind that Mother Nature always has the last word.

Man has not designed the infrastructure to withstand what she can do when she gets rough. Yet he continues to build beach properties regardless, showing an arrogance that is at times mind-boggling. Mother Nature designed beaches and barrier islands to protect the land from the sea when it gets violent, as occurred with the recent hurricanes.

Do I think people should be allowed to rebuild?

In my opinion, absolutely not. Most of the beach sand has been lost, and yet counties are asking for millions of dollars to re-establish it. Are the dollars generated from the tourist trade worth that much?

This money is coming out of my taxes, for something I personally don't need.

Anybody who wants to own or build property on a beach or barrier island should be capable of absorbing the risk, rather than having to fall back on the insurance companies for relief, which then pass the cost on in higher insurance premiums or higher deductibles.

If they still want to build, then the building codes should be restrictive enough that the property can withstand anything that Mother Nature can throw at it. Throw in the cost of infrastructure and services that are required, as well, under the same building restrictions, and I would say most people might have second thoughts.